I fear my ruin had quickly come

It waited not for my old distant age

But taking me while I was young

It threw me into Hell's fiery rage

Alas! -1 knew not what was lost

My innocence was beyond recall

Alas! - I could not pay the cost

My riches gathered an empty haul

Alas! - I felt the darkness sweep

Over me, whom it howled at and tore

In pain I cried, and began to weep

Knowing I was now beyond restore

Dreadfully, I knew my fate was sealed

As a nightmare through shadow grew

And Death decreed my life repealed

And terrible words his mouth did spew

"Behold, Man! Curses your reward!

Sin has swallowed you complete,

For you chose to heed Satan's word

And this brought your own defeat."

Desperately, I spoke in my defense

"I was deceived! The Liar lied!

He said his way made more sense!

Surely my case cannot be denied!"

With a cruel laugh Death responded

"Fool! You still chose to follow him!"

All hope gone, I became despondent

And shuddered as the Reaper Grim

Came to take my life away.

* * *

Suddenly, the night fled, as radiant day

Burst upon the scene of my last stand

And He, the Life, Truth, and Way

With a thundering immutable command

Caused Death's chill hand to stay

And placed me safely within His hand

My eyes which had long been dimmed,

Gradually adjusted to His light pure,

But no length of time passed with Him

Allowed me to see His face obscure.

He ventured to speak, and I did hear

"My son, listen—yea, hear my voice!

I love you, and want you to be here

With me, but you are given a choice.

See what sin offers? Dead wages!

Behold my offering, the Risen Lamb!

He who frees men from the cages

Of their own will and Godless plans."

With these options, I began to weigh

The wealth of Glorious Heaven

Against the pleasure of my own way,

And almost succumbed to the leaven

Of Pride, but then a humbling sight,

His wounded, nail-scarred hands

Reminded me of my previous plight

And of His sacrifice for His lambs.

"Lord, I am the greatest sinner of men,

But this I humbly plea, live in me!

Lord, save me! Amen."